New Physics, Old Metaphysics

Scientific theory of the nature of the universe has often approached the point where it merges with philosophy. Stephan Hawking took his "brief history of time" to that threshold, then shrugged and rather lamely mentioned that one could refer to religion for answers from there on. Now the "Many Universes" theory mirrors what Frank Herbert wrote into "Dune" in 1965.

Herbert's protagonist was the culmination of a millenia-long breeding plan by a sect of women who could remember past lives, among other talents, and who hoped they could breed a woman who could see the future. Our protagonist accidentally inherited the perfect genes and was blinded by the sect because he wasn't she. He then learned to compensate by seeing in his mind's eye what would happen in the next split second. He could see this immediate future so clearly he could drive, or fight with a sword. What he saw at any instant was all the threads of the future that could possibly happen, and so could choose the sequence of subsequent events in his universe.

By implication, an infinite array of universes would proceed on alternate paths, stemming from different choices not chosen by our guy in the universe we are following. Now some theoretical physicists are embracing an explanation of the nature of our universe that envisions an infinite array of universes, coexisting in different dimensions of timespace, in which all the possible threads of consequential events are occuring. For example, you pull into Burger King and order a Whopper. Somewhere, in some dimension, you just ordered a Chicken Burger; in another equally real universe you have added fries with that. Each decision we make determines which universe we continue to inhabit, and each decision slightly changes the subsequent sequence of events we experience.

So all things are happening simultaneously somewhere. It is only when we transcend the dimensions of timespace that we are able to see the totality.

Of course, other physicists theorize that our universe is a big bubble-like thing floating in timespace along with other bubble universes. If two universes touch, both are shattered in a big bang event and a new bubble universe is created, launching the process astrophysicists can identify as the history of ours after its big bang.

So cool.

Metathreads

Having learned something about web logging from professional teachers, a second attempt at Metathreads is in order. As the name implies, there is no theme; subject matter may wander as far as the mind can lead.

My first attempt at a web log was a missed cast at a forum-like affair. The intent was to elicit unabashedly intelligent conversations on topics of interest from the unlimited intellects who populate my family. I imagined tapping into the intriguing workings of the minds of both those I know well, and those I wish to know better. Unfortunately, Metathreads 1.0 was turgid at best. Perhaps even more regrettably, I have no real desire to correct that flaw.

The second attempt at web logging involved engaging a reporter on the subject of the Open Public Meetings Act and its practical effect on governmental efficiency. After two exchanges, he resorted to a personal attack, and I retreated, apologizing for misreading his intentions as a call for rational discussion.

So, here is the third pass. The intent is to have no intent, other than to expose some random thoughts to the light. Quoting Whitman, "If no other in the world be aware I sit content…" While responsive comment is prized (glimpses into prime intellects are always an event), there is no expectation of such. Welcome.